The Texas House of Representatives has recognized OOIDA's June Safety Month effort, adopting a resolution that designates June 2003 as National Truck Safety Month.

The resolution, HR1723, says OOIDA's effort is of "particular interest to the Lone Star State which, as a primary conduit for U.S.-Mexican trade, relies heavily on the trucking industry to transport commercial goods to market.

"HR1723 was introduced by Rep. Myra Crownover R- Lake Dallas, who represents House District 64 in the Texas Legislature. That district includes the cities of Denton, Corinth, Shady Shores, Lake Dallas, Hickory Creek, The Colony, Little Elm, Lakewood Village and Oak Point.

According to her Web site, Crownover, a former public school teacher, is a member of the Appropriations Committee, chairman of Budget and Oversight on the Environmental Regulations Committee, treasurer to the Rural Caucus and serves as a member of the Appropriations Subcommittee on General Government. She is also co-owner of Robinson Drilling Co., president of Crownover Inc. and a director of NorthStar Bank.

The resolution was suggested by OOIDA member Blake Wilson, a resident of The Colony, TX, which lies in Crownover’s district. HR1723 was adopted by the Legislature May 31. It reads:

“WHEREAS, The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA) is a national association that represents the interests of more than 350,000 small business truckers across the United States and Canada, and this year they have coordinated a special road safety campaign that will culminate with the observance of June 2003 as National Truck Safety Month; and

“WHEREAS, The issue of truck safety has never been of more critical importance to Americans, who each day share the nation's highways with more than two million long-haul trucks; the issue is of particular interest to the Lone Star State which, as a primary conduit for U.S.-Mexican trade, relies heavily on the trucking industry to transport commercial goods to market; and

“WHEREAS, An organization with nearly 100,000 members, the OOIDA has worked closely with state and federal officials over the years to ensure compliance with safety regulations and to develop initiatives that promote safer conditions for all vehicles on the road; small business truckers, who routinely drive more than 110,000 miles a year, have demonstrated enormous commitment to protecting the public welfare, and the residents of Texas join today in paying tribute to the OOIDA's success in raising awareness about an issue that affects us all; now, therefore, be it

“RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 78th Texas Legislature hereby recognize June 2003 as National Truck Safety Month in Texas and commend the efforts of truck drivers, business owners, peace officers, and others who have contributed toward improving road and highway safety in the Lone Star State; and, be it further

“RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association as an expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives.”